Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

If a toilet randomly runs for a few seconds and empties without flushing, it’s likely the result of a cracked toilet flapper, the chain being caught, the float needing to be lowered, or the refilling tube needing to be repositioned.

What causes a toilet to run every 20 minutes?





A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a “phantom flush.” The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat.

Why does my toilet keep running every few minutes?

If the toilet keeps running or runs intermittently, you’re not getting a good seal. Try a different flapper if the toilet won’t stop running. If you just can’t find a flapper that seals, consider replacing the entire toilet overflow tube/flapper. On most toilets (two-piece), this means removing the tank.

How do you fix a toilet that runs intermittently?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Leave the water off for a couple hours and see where the water level drops to if the water level drops – the flapper your flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Why does my toilet run for a few seconds every once in awhile?

Your toilet randomly runs on and off for a few seconds due to a problem called “phantom flush”. This is caused by a slow water leak from the tank into the bowl and is often the result of a sediment build-up on the flapper (aka “flush valve seal”) or a bad flapper seat.

What would make a toilet run periodically?





The Flapper Is Leaking and Needs Replacing



Perhaps the most common reason for a running toilet is an old flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don’t seal the way they should, and this allows water to pass constantly from the toilet tank into the bowl.

Why does my toilet run every 15 minutes?

If your toilet keeps refilling at 15-minute intervals, it probably has a leak. In the vast majority of cases, the problem is with the flapper, which is the rubber seal between the tank and the bowl.

How do I know if my toilet flapper is bad?

The tell-tale signs that you might have a malfunctioning flapper are:

  1. Toilet water runs intermittently or for a longer amount of time than usual;
  2. Rippling water move in the bowl between flushes;
  3. Low flushing power and hissing “filling” sounds;
  4. Jiggling the toilet handle doesn’t stop the toilet from flushing;

When should I replace my toilet flapper?

Although it is not something many of us think of as needing replacement on a routine basis, in general, a toilet flapper should be replaced every three to five years.

Can a phantom flush be fixed without calling a plumber?



While replacing a flapper can be done on your own through parts picked up at the hardware store, if you want to fix this issue quickly and correctly, you may just want to call a professional. If you have a spooky ghost flushing toilet or other plumbing problems, contact us today to see how The Plumber Guy can help.

Why Does My Kohler toilet run periodically?

Leaking or constant running is often caused by sediment or debris lodged in the cap of the fill valve preventing the water from turning off. The fill valve fills the tank and bowl with water after the toilet is flushed.

Why does my toilet make a noise randomly?

If you notice your toilet making a loud noise, either when flushed or randomly, it’s a clear indicator that something is wrong with your toilet. The problem is most likely a loose washer in the ballcock assembly, which is common among older toilets with a metal ballcock-style fill valve.

How do you clean a toilet flapper?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now where the seal is made from the flap or inside the toilet come on it's piece of plastic. I'm just going to use this scouring pad I just let it click click clean.

What happens when you put vinegar in your toilet?

Vinegar is a great toilet cleaning solution. Not only is it free of chemicals and naturally antibacterial, it’s also an acid, so it will remove minor lime and calcium deposits. All you need to do is pour a couple cups of vinegar in your tank and let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub and flush to rinse.

Can I put Vaseline on my toilet flapper?

One easy, but temporary fix to make rubber toilet parts supple again is vaseline. The toilet must be drained and dried for this to work. Then, vaseline can be rubbed on the flapper and it’s connecting washer until they become soft. The toilet should be filled and checked again.

Can I put bleach in my toilet tank?

Preparing to Clean the Toilet Tank



“The biggest don’t when it comes to toilet tanks is bleach—do not use bleach or products containing bleach inside the tank, as it can corrode the internal parts of your toilet. If you are aiming to remove tough stains from the tank, I also recommend white vinegar diluted with water.”

What happens if you pee in a toilet with bleach?



Chlorine gas can also be released when bleach is mixed with urine, such as when cleaning the area around a toilet or when pets stains are cleaned. Both chloramine and chlorine gases are immediately irritating with a very pungent odor, causing watering of the eyes, runny nose and coughing.

What does baking soda in toilet tank do?

Clean the Toilet Regularly



There is no need to use harsh and costly chemicals to prevent hard water toilet stains. Borax, vinegar, and baking soda do a great job of cleaning and disinfecting. Used regularly, they will prevent hard water stains from building up.